As a minimalist, I try hard to be intentional about what I include in my life – from my possessions to my relationships – but there’s one thing I’ve always struggled to let go of: Expectations.
When things don’t go as planned, we can choose to indulge in our disappointment or we can choose to let go and move forward. Ultimately, the choice is up to us.
One of the best ways to let go of expectations is to look at how you frame them in the first place. One thing I’ve realised is, too often, I’m setting myself up for disappointment before I even begin.
Try asking yourself what you’re really trying to achieve. Once you identify it, you can adjust the course and look for a different way to achieve the same result.
Sometimes it’s as simple as the language we choose to use with ourselves. Instead of saying “I’m not”, we could decide to say “I am” – encouraging us to seek out gratitude and to look at our glass as half full.
My biggest challenge with letting go of expectations is often just owning up to the real problem! Instead, of acknowledging that I’m disappointed, it’s often easier to turn the blame elsewhere.